The Schengen Agreement of 1985: A Brief Overview
The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that was signed on June 14th, 1985, in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg. This agreement is named after the town in which it was signed and has had a significant impact on the way that Europe is able to function.
The Schengen Agreement was initially signed by five European Union (EU) member states: Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, and Germany. Its main objective was to create a borderless Europe by abolishing the internal borders between the signatory countries and establishing a common external border.
The agreement was eventually ratified by the remaining EU member states, with the exception of United Kingdom and Ireland, and it was incorporated into the legal framework of the EU with the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1999.
The Schengen Agreement led to the establishment of the Schengen Area, which is a zone of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that people can travel freely between these countries, without the need for a passport or visa.
The Schengen Agreement also aims to improve cooperation between the signatory countries in the fight against transnational crime and terrorism. This is accomplished through the implementation of a common visa policy, a shared information system, and joint law enforcement efforts.
The Schengen Agreement has had a major impact on the way that Europe functions, both in terms of its economic benefits and its social and political implications. The free movement of people within the EU helps to promote trade and tourism, while the common visa policy and shared information system help to combat terrorism and other forms of transnational crime.
In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement of 1985 has played a key role in shaping the modern European Union, and its impact continues to be felt today. As an editor with experience in SEO, it is important to note that the Schengen Agreement is a relevant and important topic for those researching European politics, travel, and related fields.
